Sick of Googling to find the perfect temp for your favorite meats? Becoming Brooklyn reader Defne sent me a tip about this retro wall decor that gives you the internal cooking temperatures for beef, lamb, pork, and poultry.
It was designed by Cobble Hill based “design genius” Nadia Ries Shen, and her company Brite Lines Creative. I like the vintage-y style, and that it’s silk screened and printed on recycled paper. Get yours here.
My favorite tee company of all time, BQT, has a brand new Spring line with some awesome city inspired designs. I attended the launch party at 718 Cyclery last week (great Sixpoint-filled party, by the way) and discovered this Brooklyn-y tote bag, as well as picked up a couple tees for gifts.What makes BQT my fave? The unique designs, the super soft, high quality tees, and the BQT guys Dan and Frank, who are always helpful. Visit their website to see some of their other new Spring styles.
Plenty of brunch spots and cafes have a granola bowl on the menu, but only one sticks out to me as the Ultimate Granola Bowl in Brooklyn. Kos Kaffe Roasting House in Park Slope serves up a bowl filled with Greek yogurt, crunchy granola with dried fruit, and (the best part) maple roasted pears. The cafe is comfortable too, with plenty of seating (for New York) and attentive service. Visit now at 251 Fifth Avenue.
While for others, grocery shopping is a chore, I thoroughly enjoy this errand and consider it a leisurely past time for discovering new local products. If I had the time in my schedule, I’d gladly take a few hours to stroll around my favorite markets, pouring over the selection of produce, cheeses, prepared foods, and other goodies. So I’ve picked out my top three favorite spots for local shopping. Beware– I’m not saying they are the most affordable places, but to me, it’s worth it.
1. Foragers
Since I live so close to DUMBO, this spot comes in first place for me. The market was born on the idea that born of the idea the neighb lacked quality food options, so they strive to show the pleasure that food should bring to the lives of their customers and those who make it. The produce always looks beautiful, AND (BONUS) they have my favorite snack of all time, Early Bird Granola. Make sure to try the prepared food too, like the sandwiches and salad bar.
Ahh, Brooklyn Fare, how I love you. The first time I went into this Downtown Brooklyn market, my jaw dragged on the floor behind me as I browsed all of the Brooklyn products. This spot is all about community, so as a Brooklyn blogger, I’m drawn to it. I love that they have all of my local faves, like Mast Brothers Chocolate and Phin & Phebe’s ice cream, plus their own products. Brooklyn Fare has their own bagged coffee that I highly recommend.
Every time I’m in Fort Greene, usually for brunch at Olea, I make sure to hit up Greene Grape before I head back to Brooklyn Heights. It’s a small market, but it’s packed with local and artisanal goods that I can’t resist. They have an awesome cheese section, as well as Oslo Coffee and spectacular baked goods. This is the perfect spot to go if you’re in the mood for trying something unique.
This Valentines Day, I received a gift that trumps any heart-shaped jewelry or Whitman’s sampler– this wall art from Dream Digital Download on Etsy. It’s printed on vintage paper and shows a little map of BK within the heart shape. Didn’t get one from your Valentine? Don’t fret– you can find one here.
Who knew a sewer could be so pretty? Etsy shop Urban Street Prints by Julie brings design from the everyday urban built environment into the spotlight. Julie creates screenprints from rubbings of sewer grates, then prints them by hand in a community studio near the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn. This print is from a rubbing in Fort Greene Park and goes for $42. Get yours here.
There’s nothing like the crisp taste of an apple picked straight from the tree of an Upstate orchard. And while most of us Brooklyn-ites don’t have land for replicating that orchard, many of us do have rooftops, so Brooklyn Brainery is here to teach us how to make it happen. On February 25th from 2pm to 4pm Mike Biltonen, VP of Farm Operations at Red Jacket Orchards, will tell you everything you need to know about the status of rooftop farming in NYC, how to get started, where to find a rooftop, how to plan your orchard, costs, and planting it.
BONUS: As you learn, you’ll get to sip on samples of Red Jacket’s juice. The class is just $20. Visit Brooklyn Brainery’s website to sign up.
I was thrilled to discover a new Brooklyn-based coffee roaster this week, but was even more excited when I learned more about Craft Coffee’s unique concept: coffee you can subscribe to. Their mission is to bring new, exciting coffee experiences to their subscribers, and being the local coffee fiend that I am, I had to give it a try.
So it works like this. You pick your subscription (starting at $19.99 per month) and then Craft Coffee brings 12 ounces of premium coffees from small artisan roasters to your door. I received 4 ounces each of Klatch Coffee, OQ Coffee Co., and Olympia Coffee Roasting Co., and so far, I’m impressed. Each blend has a rich flavor, but are distinctly different taste, so I can mix it up all month long.
I photo-documented my first Craft Coffee Journey; check it out below. Visit their website to get in a subscription, or get a one for a friend– it makes a great gift.
Finally! A good ramen spot in Brooklyn. I happened to be searching for a dinner spot in the neighb when I stumbled upon Chuko– a Prospect Heights spot I’ve been dying to try. First decision: do I want spicy pickles or brussel sprouts to start? Tough choice. I went for the pickles and followed them up with vegetarian ramen. I was excited that the waiter gave me the option to add a poached egg to my ramen bowl. I slurped down the light and flavorful broth, with bits of sweet potato, kale, runny egg and the never-ending noodles.
The simple decor and casual atmosphere make for a good dinner location to bring a group of friends. I’m already planning my next trip there, and this time I’m not leaving without the brussel sprouts and kale salad. Check out Chuko’s Facebook page for more information and photos, and let me know what you think when you give it a try.
In honor of National Bagels and Lox Day, here’s a photo from my favorite bagel spot in Brooklyn, Mile End Delicatessen. I like to order The Beauty, or a bagel with lox, cream cheese, tomato, onion, and capers.
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